QQI in partnership with AHEAD and the Disability Advisors Working Network (DAWN) are conducting work to explore how to make assessment practices in further and higher education more inclusive of all students. Students come to further and higher education from all walks of life. They have different cultural backgrounds, different life and caring demands, different identities, and ability/disability profiles. But do assessment practices reflect this diversity? 

Research shows that some diverse student cohorts are disadvantaged by common assessment methods such as timed exams (AHEAD, 2021; Smith, 2011), and that diverse learners often feel certain assessment formats are not authentic or relevant to what they had learned, or how performance is measured in the world outside (Tai et al, 2022). Other students report being over-assessed, with ‘bunching’ of assessment deadlines frequently resulting in unsustainable workloads (QQI, 2021). So, we are exploring what assessment practice that is inclusive of everyone looks like, ensuring all learners get a fair chance to demonstrate their ability.

To support this work, we are gathering together the views of students on this topic in video form, and would love to hear your thoughts! These responses will help to inform national approaches to inclusive assessment and may feature in a video showcased at a national event on this topic in April 2024, and shared on YouTube and social media. You can read more about this below.

Everyone who submits a video will be entered into a draw for a €100 All Go card, which can be used in shops around Ireland.

If interested, record your thoughts on the questions below in video form by Friday March 23rd, and submit it using the instructions below! The whole process is easy to do on your laptop or phone,  takes about 10-12 minutes, and submissions in Irish Sign Language are also welcome.

You can read more about the opportunity here: Students – give us your views on inclusive assessment! – AHEAD